Is A Loose Meat Sandwich The Same Thing As A Sloppy Joe?

Sloppy Joes are a mainstay in many American cafeterias and homes looking for a quick weeknight meal. But have you ever heard of their sauceless cousin, the loose meat sandwich? With great flavor and just as much versatility in how it's served, this lesser-known sandwich deserves more of the limelight.

While perhaps not as famous as the sloppy Joe, the loose meat sandwich shares many of the same ingredients. Both feature sauteed ground beef, onions, and seasonings, but the most significant difference lies in the sauce. A sloppy Joe comes with a rich tomato-based sauce that coats each granule of beef, creating a filling reminiscent of a cross between the savory sweetness of baked beans and the hearty texture of chili.

The loose meat sandwich, on the other hand, is a bit drier but just as messy as a sloppy Joe. The meat is seasoned as it cooks, often with plenty of mustard and onion, and served on a bun with pickles and your choice of condiments. The loose meat sandwich, at its core, is like a burger that was never formed into patties, offering more creativity in how it can be served. And since there's no sauce, the possibilities for seasoning are practically endless.

Tips for a great loose meat sandwich

Although some may argue otherwise, hamburger buns aren't necessarily the best choice for sloppy Joes or loose meet sandwiches. Slider buns, wraps, or even a bag of corn chips can better contain the crumbled beef and minimize mess. But when it comes to seasonings, condiments, and the type of meat used, the world is your oyster.

The base recipe for a loose meat sandwich is quite simple, making it easy to adapt using any of the countless innovative burger recipes available. Whatever seasonings you choose, the key is to ensure the meat doesn't have excess liquid. Unlike the thick sauce in a sloppy Joe, too much moisture in a loose meat sandwich will only result in a soggy bun. Adding more vegetables or dry ingredients while cooking can help reduce moisture, but it's essential to give the beef plenty of time in the pan to evaporate its juices and build great flavor.

You can use a variety of meats for a loose meat sandwich — anything from ground turkey to lamb — but aim for a blend that's roughly 80% meat to 20% fat. Since the meat isn't being shaped into patties, you can opt for leaner blends; however, anything with more than 20% fat may make the sandwich greasy. While cooking, use a spatula or spoon to break up the beef into pieces that strike the perfect balance between chunky and finely crumbled.